Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we’re whipping up a dish that’s both creamy and comforting: One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Delight. This simple recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and cheesy penne pasta—all cooked in just one pan. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and clean up. Stick around to learn the step-by-step guide and tips that make this meal a weeknight winner for your family!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal.
- Cheesy Goodness: The combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan creates a creamy and indulgent sauce that everyone will love.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with chicken and fresh broccoli, this dish is nutritious and satisfying without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
– Salt, to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped
To make One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta, gather these simple ingredients. Each item plays a vital role in creating a rich and creamy dish.
Olive oil gives a nice base for cooking. Chicken breasts are the main protein and add heartiness. Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances all flavors.
Garlic brings a warm aroma and taste. Broccoli florets add color and nutrition. Penne pasta serves as a great vehicle for the sauce.
The chicken broth helps cook the pasta and adds depth. Sharp cheddar and Parmesan create a creamy texture. A dash of paprika gives flavor, while red pepper flakes can add heat.
Lastly, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end. These ingredients combine to make a delightful, one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation and Cooking Steps
1. Heating olive oil and cooking chicken
Start by pouring 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet. Set the heat to medium. Season 1 pound of diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked all the way through.
2. Adding garlic and sautéing
After the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add flavor. Toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute. Keep stirring until the garlic smells great and turns a light golden color.
3. Incorporating broccoli florets
Next, add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes. This helps the broccoli turn bright and slightly tender. You want it to keep some crunch.
4. Cooking penne pasta with chicken broth
Pour in 2 cups of uncooked penne pasta and 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is just right and most of the broth is soaked up.
5. Melting cheeses for creamy sauce
Once the pasta is ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheeses melt and create a creamy sauce that coats all the ingredients.
6. Final seasoning adjustments
Season your dish with 1/2 teaspoon of paprika and if you like heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
7. Serving suggestions
To finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. This adds a nice touch before you serve the dish. Enjoy your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Achieving the perfect chicken texture: Start with diced chicken. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook it in hot olive oil until golden brown. This takes about 5-7 minutes. To keep it juicy, do not overcook.
– Ensuring broccoli retains vibrant color: Add the broccoli after the chicken and garlic. Cook it for 2-3 minutes. This short time keeps its bright green color and slight crunch.
– Stirring techniques for pasta: When you add penne and broth, stir well. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
– Best ways to present the dish: Serve the pasta in deep bowls. This makes it look hearty. Garnish with extra cheddar and a few broccoli florets on top. They add color and make it inviting.
– Suitable side dishes: Crusty bread pairs well. It’s perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce. A simple green salad also works well. It adds freshness to your meal.
Pro Tips
- Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure that the chicken is cooked all the way through to avoid any food safety issues. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Al Dente Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it when you taste it.
- Add Cheese Off the Heat: To achieve a creamy texture, add the cheese to the pasta off the heat. This helps prevent the cheese from becoming grainy.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to swap out broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, depending on what you have on hand or your preference.
Variations
Dietary Modifications
You can make this dish fit your needs. Here are some easy swaps.
– Gluten-free pasta options: Use gluten-free penne or any gluten-free pasta you like. Many brands offer great taste and texture.
– Alternatives for dairy-free cheese: Try using almond-based or cashew-based cheeses. They melt well and add creaminess without dairy.
Ingredient Swaps
You can change up the protein and veggies for variety.
– Possible protein alternatives: If you want something different, use shrimp or tofu. Both add unique flavors and textures.
– Seasonal vegetables to include: Add in seasonal veggies like bell peppers or spinach. They boost nutrition and color, making your dish even more vibrant.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cool the pasta to room temperature first. This helps prevent moisture from building up. Store your pasta in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, I suggest the stovetop method for the best texture. Simply add a splash of broth or water to the pan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring often, until warm. This helps keep the pasta creamy.
You can use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a little broth or water, then cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, it will warm through without losing its color. Frozen broccoli cooks faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To spice things up, try adding more red pepper flakes. You can also use a spicy cheese like pepper jack. Another option is to mix in some hot sauce to the dish before serving. Adjust the amount to fit your taste.
What other types of cheese can I use?
You can swap out sharp cheddar for other cheeses. Monterey Jack or mozzarella will work great too. For a tangy twist, try adding some crumbled feta. Each cheese will give a unique flavor. Mix and match to find your favorite!
This blog showed you how to create a tasty chicken pasta dish. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step cooking, tips to enhance your meal, and variations for dietary needs. You now know how to store and reheat leftovers too. Cooking this dish can be fun and easy. I hope you feel inspired to try it out. You’ll impress friends and family with your skill
